Communications – Level 1 & 2

Subject

Knowledge required

Competence:

Transmit and receive information by visual signaling

Ability to use the International Code of Signals

International Code flags
Recognition of the International Code flags and pendants, substitutes flags and answering pendants; Action to take when signals are not understood; How the end of a signal is indicated; The use of identity signals; How to signal azimuth or bearing, course, date, latitude, longitude, distance, speed, time.
The significance of the arrangement of the Code into:
(a) single-letter signals;
(b) two letter signals;
(c) three-letter signals beginning with “M” for the Medical Section
The uses of complements and tables of complements; How to signal depths; The significance of text in brackets; The meanings of single-letter signals; Single-letter signals for use between an ice-breaker and assisted vessels; How time of origin may be included; Ability to code and decode messages, using the General sections; Ability to code and decode messages, using the Medical Sections and complements; The International Code Signal of distress.

Ability to use publications

Use of Radio Aids to Marine Navigation for ascertaining facilities and services; Use of Annual Edition of Notices to Mariners.

Subject

Knowledge required

Competence:

Transmit and receive information by visual signaling

Ability to transmit and receive signals by Morse light @ 4WPM

Morse symbols for the alphabet and numerals; Send and receives Morse signals by flashing light at a rate of a least 15 characters per minute; Lists the parts of a signal made by flashing as the call, the identity, the text, the ending; Demonstrates the procedure for sending a message to an unknown ship in plain language or in code; Correctly uses the “erase” signal when sending or receiving; Correctly uses the “repeat” signal; Correctly uses the repetition signals AA, AB, WA, WB, and BN; Explains the use of the waiting signal; Demonstrates the uses of the procedures signals C, N, RQ and states that they cannot be used with single-letter signals; Meaning and explains the use of YU, YV, YZ; Recommendations on sound signalling; List the single-letter signals which may be sounded only in compliance with the requirements of the International Regulations for preventing collisions at sea; Distress signal when made by flashing light.

Competence:

Use the standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases and use of English in written and oral form

Adequate knowledge and understanding of the English language, including the ability to use and understand the Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary as replaced by the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases

English language
Use English in written and oral form to:

1. Use charts and other nautical publications;
2. Understanding meteorological information and messages concerning ship’s safety and operation;
3. Communicate with other ships and coast stations;
4. Perform the officer’s duties also with a multi-lingual crew.

Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary
Use standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary, as replaced by the IMO Standard Marine Communication Phrases.